IGES → 3DM

Convert IGES to 3DM

Turn an IGES CAD model into a 3DM mesh. Curved surfaces are meshed finely enough to stay smooth, and the part keeps its real size and orientation.

  • Fine, accurate meshing of curved surfaces
  • Real size and right way up
  • Runs on your computer: nothing is uploaded
No file yet
Drop an IGES file or
Files stay on your computer.
Done

How to convert IGES to 3DM

  1. Add your IGES file

    Drop it on the converter above or click browse. It opens in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.

  2. Check the format is 3DM

    3DM is already selected. You can switch to any other output from the menu.

  3. Convert and download

    Click Convert and your 3DM file is ready in seconds. Download it straight away.

What is IGES?

IGES is an older CAD exchange format that stores exact curves and surfaces. Many machines, CAM systems and older CAD packages still expect it.

Full name
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
Type
Exact CAD geometry
Used in
Mastercam, Rhino, SolidWorks, CATIA, older CAM software
Strength
Accepted by legacy CAD and CAM tools.
Limits
Older than STEP; solids are often stored as loose surfaces.
More about IGES

What is 3DM?

3DM is the native file of Rhino, used widely in industrial, jewellery and architectural design. It stores NURBS surfaces, SubD objects, meshes and block instances.

Full name
Rhinoceros 3D model (openNURBS)
Type
Exact CAD geometry
Used in
Rhino, Grasshopper, KeyShot, Blender (with add-on)
Strength
Rich surface modelling data from Rhino.
Limits
Surfaces are converted using the render meshes Rhino saves in the file.
More about 3DM

Good to know

IGES stores exact surfaces; 3DM needs triangles. We mesh each surface with a deviation of 0.05% of the part's size, which keeps holes and fillets smooth for printing and rendering.

Dimensions stay in the units of the original file, usually millimetres.

Related conversions

Questions

Will curves look faceted?

No. Curved faces are meshed with a tight tolerance, so holes and fillets stay smooth.

Does it keep the size of my part?

Yes. The mesh has the same dimensions as the CAD model.

Are my files uploaded?

No. Everything runs in your browser.